Pan-seared cauliflower steaks with brown butter sage sauce

Cauliflower steak

pan seared cauliflower steaks with brown butter and sage

By Eleanor Vance

Published: 14 Feb 2025

This recipe is my go-to when I want a simple yet impressive vegetarian meal. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. I remember my friend Sarah, she raved about this and tried to make it last year, but she burnt the butter, poor thing! You will not do that because I will show you how to prevent such culinary catastrophes.
Close up of pan-seared cauliflower steak with brown butter sauce and fresh sage
The combination of the tender cauliflower steaks, the nutty brown butter, and the fragrant sage creates a symphony of flavors. It's a dish that's surprisingly easy to make, but tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant. Honestly, when you see this masterpiece you have created you’ll be so proud of yourself. Even I get a bit emotional sometimes.
Plated pan-seared cauliflower steaks with brown butter sage sauce

Required Equipments

  • Large skillet
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Tongs

Pan-Seared-Cauliflower-Steaks-with-Brown-Butter-and-Sage

These pan-seared cauliflower steaks are elevated to new heights with a rich brown butter and sage sauce. It’s a simple, delicious, and impressive vegetarian dish that's perfect for any occasion.

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 2 servings

Preparation Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time:

🍽 Ingredients

📖 Instructions

  1. First things first, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). This will keep the cauliflower steaks warm while you make the sauce, preventing them from getting cold.
  2. Now, let's prep the cauliflower. Cut the head into 1-inch thick steaks. Make sure they’re fairly even in thickness for even cooking. You know, I once tried to make them all wonky shapes and it was a disaster-- my perfectionist streak really showed. Use a sharp knife, for goodness sake!
  3. Season generously with salt and pepper. Don't be shy! A good seasoning is half the battle. I like to use freshly ground black pepper—so much better than the pre-ground stuff.
  4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil—I always use extra virgin—and let it get nice and hot.
  5. Carefully place the cauliflower steaks in the hot skillet. Sear for 4-5 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and slightly charred. This takes patience, but it makes all the difference to the flavor. If they’re sticking, you can use a spatula to gently loosen them from the pan.
  6. Once seared, transfer the cauliflower steaks to a baking sheet and pop them into the preheated oven to keep warm while you make the sauce.
  7. Now for the magic: the brown butter and sage sauce. Melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Keep a close eye on it; this part requires attention. Stir frequently. You'll know it's browning when the butter turns a light golden brown and has a nutty aroma. This bit is super important. Don't burn it!
  8. Add 1/4 cup of fresh sage leaves to the browned butter. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly.
  9. Remove the skillet from the heat. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
  10. To serve, arrange the cauliflower steaks on plates. Spoon the delicious brown butter and sage sauce generously over each steak. I like to add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top, just to give it some extra oomph. And there you have it!

📝 Notes

  • For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the brown butter sauce.
  • Feel free to use other herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, in place of the sage.
  • If you don't have fresh sage, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried sage instead of 1/4 cup of fresh sage. But, you know, fresh is always best

🍎 Nutrition

Calories: 350 kcal

Protein: 10g

Fat: 25g

Carbohydrates: 20g

Fiber: 5g

Calcium: 20 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

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